Thread: Straight razor for my boyfriend...

Originally Posted by srnewbie

Jimbo: That is a beautiful razor! I mean, I wouldn't mind going the extra mile - I guess it all depends. I need to somehow check out what he has and/or doesn't have. I don't believe I saw one like that though! Thank you - I'm bookmarking it

Yeah, that'll be the trick alright - you wouldn't want to double up on any he already has...although I think many sellers would have a return policy. But then it wouldn't be such a suprise

I forgot to add before what a thoughtful and supportive gift idea this is. Good one!

James.

JL: He loves sharpening them - and cleaning them. But he doesn't shave with them. So it's purely a hobby of collecting them. Out of curiousity - what IS the price range for a pretty good razor?

Thanks James!

At first he thought his "hobby" would freak me out, but realistically, everyone likes different things - so why not support him Girls have strange hobbies too - namely, bags & shoes :P

I'm almost 100% sure he doesn't have that particular one -- I'm going to do a little more surfing and little more of reading (thanks to you guys)... and hopefully I'll have a good idea!

You apparently love your boyfriend a lot! My wife has no interest in my knife collection which in itself is no big deal but one year for my birthday she bought me a very expensive knife with white and black pearl checker board inlay. beautiful, but not at all what I like. At least you are taking some time to find out exactly what your boyfriend might want!

Originally Posted by srnewbie

JL: He loves sharpening them - and cleaning them. But he doesn't shave with them. So it's purely a hobby of collecting them. Out of curiousity - what IS the price range for a pretty good razor?

Honestly it is all over the board I have razors that range from around $200.00 to razors that are valued at over $1000.00. You can find great razors out there for much more than that, and much less, it mostly depends on what the scales (handle) is made of and the age vs quality of the razor. Considering he isnt using them to shave, that leaves a lot of avenues open, since he doesnt need to worry about steel types, density, hardness, material durability.

The best value for the buck is going with something used, plus you get more age and historical value, I for instance have a razor that I shave with regularly which was made in 1840, and I just think that is cool.

JMS: LOL!!!

Yes, I do love him. He supports my insane book collection - and buys me books i'll never read but you know, a little bit of time out of our day - especially when most of us are in front of a computer all the time, isn't much effort. Specifically, in finding a forum such as this one! I really DO want to buy something cool (he's 26) and you guys would know best

PS: I almost just bought one randomly - then I accidently stumbled upon this site. LUCK was on my side!

Originally Posted by xman

If you want some outstanding condition antiques check http://www.shavingshop.com/index.php?category=43.

X

I forgot about the link X mentioned, I have bought several razors from there, he has a very unique selection for a retail shop and has pretty quick shipping, it usually takes no more than a week to get the razors.

JL: You make a great point! Yes, I wouldn't mind used or vintage. I really liked that first one I linked, but that was purely the look of it - I wouldn't know the difference, but he sure would! I have some homework to do tonight!

I will take another look at the site x-man mentioned....

And wow.. you have a razor from the 1840's that you shave with? That's impressive ! I have a book *almost* that old, and I try not to touch it!

Ok just to get this straight, he collects them, hones them, carefully takes care of them... but he doesn't shave with them?

What on earth does he shave with?

As far as affordable good blades, how about a 7 day set... of Wapienica's haha. They're NOS (new old stock) Communist-era Polish razors that hone well, everybody seems to love them, and they cost like 10 bucks a piece now. (Just wanted to mention it that there are some pretty good razors that aren't all 200 buckaroos and up.)

As well, Jim at vintage has a razor of the month special on, where you get a new Dovo 5/8 or 6/8, sharpened by Lynn Abrams (the guy who started Straight Razor Place and pretty much considered a demi-god of honing) for around 60 bucks. So it's all relative.

But if you guy doesn't actually shave with it, get him some rusty hunk with really nice scales on it.

Originally Posted by srnewbie

JL:
And wow.. you have a razor from the 1840's that you shave with? That's impressive ! I have a book *almost* that old, and I try not to touch it!

If I had only met you first!!